Master of Arts in English

The Department of Languages and Literature offers two program options leading to a Master of Arts degree with specialization in English.

Master of Arts Degree - Thesis Option

Admission Requirements

An applicant must meet the general requirements of the graduate division of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach and hold a bachelor's degree with a major in English, English Education, comparative literature, or some area of the Humanities with a minimum of 18 semester hours of undergraduate English courses beyond the freshman level. (Students who have not fulfilled these specific course requirements may complete them while pursuing the M.A.)

Program Requirements

Students will complete 30 semester hours in English studies, including a thesis of three-six semester hours. Part of the thesis requirement is an oral examination based on the thesis and on the candidate's preparation and general knowledge.

Students will be required to complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of course work within the Department in the study of literature. Additional course work may come from the areas of linguistics, English Education, or other Departmental offerings. Students may take three semester hours in a related field outside the Department with the approval of the student's advisor. No specific courses are required: students may choose from the complete Department offerings and should consult with their advisor as to the current courses which best meet their interests.

Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of two years of college credit (12 semester hours) in a modern foreign language, such as French, German or Spanish.

Program Summary - Thesis Option

Courses

Semester Hours

Literature Studies

18

Electives (may include 3 semester hours outside the Department)

6-9

Thesis (ENGL 524)

3-6

Total

30

Master of Arts Degree - Non-Thesis Option

Admission Requirements

An applicant must meet the general requirements of the graduate division of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach and hold a bachelor's degree with a major in English, English Education, comparative literature, or some area of the Humanities with a minimum of 18 semester hours of undergraduate English courses beyond the freshman level. (Students who have not fulfilled these specific course requirements may complete them while pursuing the M.A.)

Program Requirements

The student will complete 36 semester hours in English studies. This total must include a minimum of 18 semester hours of course work within the Department in the study of literature, including ENGL 519 Intensive study of an Author (3 semester hours). Students must also take a course in methods of research, such as ENGL 517 Problems and Methods of Research. Students may take up to nine semester hours in related fields outside the Department with the approval of the student's advisor. Additional course work may come from the areas of linguistics, English Education, or other Departmental offerings. To demonstrate their knowledge of the field, students will complete this program by taking ENGL 535 Comprehensive Examination.

Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of two years of college credit (12 semester hours) in a modern foreign language, such as French, German or Spanish.